Colombian football supporters climbed Monserrate hill in Bogotá on Thursday, July 2, 2026, to symbolically counteract a spiritual curse [1].
The gathering highlights the intersection of cultural superstition and sports, as fans sought to protect their national team from perceived metaphysical interference during the World Cup.
Led by Felipe Molina, the group of supporters, known as hinchas, organized the ascent to the mountain peak early in the morning [1]. The event was a direct response to statements made by Nana Kwaku Bonsam, a Ghanaian spiritualist [2]. Bonsam said that a "brujo," or witch doctor, was influencing the outcome of the competition to the detriment of the Colombian squad [1].
Participants believed that by gathering at the sacred site of Monserrate, they could neutralize the alleged curse and provide spiritual support to the players [2]. The effort took place just before the scheduled group stage match between Colombia and Ghana [2].
While the Colombian football federation has not officially commented on the spiritualist's claims, the public reaction in Bogotá demonstrated a widespread desire among the fanbase to ensure no external factors, spiritual or otherwise, hindered the team's performance [1]. The ascent of Monserrate is a common tradition for those seeking divine intervention or blessings in Colombia, making it a focal point for the fans' ritual [2].
The event underscores the intense emotional stakes of the World Cup, where the pressure for victory often leads supporters to seek unconventional methods of influence [1]. This practice of "spiritual warfare" in football is not uncommon in international tournaments, though the scale of the climb to Monserrate marks a significant collective effort by the Colombian public [2].
“Fans gathered and climbed Monserrate hill to symbolically counteract the Ghanaian "brujo"”
This incident reflects the deep-seated cultural role of spirituality in Latin American football fandom. By attempting to 'neutralize' a curse from a Ghanaian spiritualist, supporters are engaging in a symbolic psychological battle to maintain confidence in their team. It demonstrates how perceived external threats, even those of a metaphysical nature, can mobilize large groups of people and influence the social atmosphere surrounding a major sporting event.
